A high street chicken chain has been shut suddenly for “urgent maintenance work”.

Pepe’s in Maidstone has been temporarily closed to ensure the continued “safety, quality and comfort” for staff and customers.

A Pepe’s spokesman did not reply to KentOnline’s questions about what the urgent maintenance works were and when the branch would reopen.

However, in a statement they said: ”Pepe’s Maidstone has been temporarily closed due to urgent maintenance work.

“This decision was made to ensure the continued safety, quality, and comfort of our staff and customers.

“The team are working hard to complete the necessary repairs as quickly as possible and will reopen the store once all maintenance is safely completed.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank our customers for their patience and understanding.”

The closure comes around the same time as fellow chicken restaurant Nando’s, in Earl Street, has closed its doors for a refurbishment.

Construction signs have been placed outside the restaurant and shopfront signage has been removed.

A reopening date is yet to be revealed.

A spokesperson said: ”Nando’s Maidstone is closed for a refresh for a few weeks.

“We will be back serving our PERi-PERi fans before Christmas.

“In the meantime, Nando’s fans can still get their PERi-PERi fix at Nando’s South Aylesford or Hempstead Valley, which offer eat-in and delivery options”.

The Maidstone venue shut last July for “some DIY”.

However, it later emerged that was to allow for pest-proofing to help solve its “mouse activity” problem.